A comprehensive after-school program with an SEL focus

WINGS for Kids is an after-school program focused solely on promoting social and emotional learning (SEL) in students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Developed by Wings for Kids Inc, a US-based education nonprofit organization, the program integrates a comprehensive SEL curriculum (based on the CASEL domains of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management and responsible decision-making) with traditional elements of after-school programming. Running daily throughout the school year, WINGS sessions begin with a snack and a community building activity, followed by activities, discussions or short lessons focused on a weekly SEL objective, free play, and 40 minutes of supported academic homework time.

Students participate in small groups of 10-12, organized by grade (K-1, 2-3, 4-5) and differentiated by gender. Groups are led by WINGSleaders, college-age AmeriCorps members who receive extensive training and ongoing support by WINGS staff and directors.

The WINGS program includes comprehensive tools to assess program outcomes and implementation. Studies have found program participation to be linked to increased levels of respect, self-esteem and satisfaction with school, gains in executive function, visual spatial skills and numerical literacy, as well as on-time completion of school assignments and adherence to classroom rules. As WINGS is an AmeriCorps program, it is dependent on local access and volunteer support. At the time of this writing, the WINGS program operates only in the greater Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston areas in the US.